STUART - We have all heard the expression, "It takes a village." This sentiment fittingly applies to the escalating fight against childhood obesity. While this problem is complex, it is also something that can be conquered if we work together. Celebrated the last week of April every year, Every Kid Healthy™ Week, an initiative of Action for Healthy Kids, puts the spotlight on the childhood obesity epidemic threatening our country. I urge you to participate in this critical initiative toward happier and healthier kids this April 21-25, and to spread this valuable message within your community.

The facts on childhood obesity

A third of all children are either overweight or obese, and the implications are enormous. Severely obese kids are four times more likely to miss school than their peers, and are at increased risk for a multitude of health conditions and chronic diseases, such as gallbladder and heart disease, asthma, diabetes and cancer. If the trend is not reversed, experts predict that the current generation of children will have a shorter life expectancy than their own parents -- for the first time in our country's history. And it's not just individuals who are affected: the U.S. spends $119 billion on healthcare costs related to obesity every year.

What you can do

While the situation may be alarming, a solution is within our collective reach. Parents, caregivers, schools and community members can work together to teach kids the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as nutritious eating and daily exercise.

Through its nationwide programs, Action for Healthy Kids strives to educate the public about best practices for exercise and nutrition, mobilize volunteers into action, and ultimately transform schools into healthy environments. Volunteers pitch in everywhere from the cafeteria to the playground helping to lay a solid foundation for sustainable change. Action for Healthy Kids also directly supports schools by providing tools toward the development, implementation and evaluation of wellness policies, a resource clearinghouse of tools, programs and best practices, and school grant opportunities.

"Get in the Action" this April by making positive lifestyle changes within your own household and/or by volunteering with Action for Healthy Kids. And don't forget to share this message with family members, friends, educators and fellow community members -- together, we can make a difference.

Dr. Jeffrey Gorodetsky, family physician, and the staff of JSG Medical Practice operate a Hybrid Practice with the choice of Concierge Medical Care or Traditional Medical Care. JSG Medical Practice is located in Stuart. For more information on this topic and other family health and medical issues, visit http://www.jsgmedical.com or call 772 223-4504.

This story is contributed by a member of the community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with TCPalm.